Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Talk Story: Become a refuge for others

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Office for Social Ministry “The Lord is the refuge of the poor.” (Psalm 14:6) (Pope Leo XIV’s theme for the 10th World Day of the Poor, Nov. 15) Where do we turn when life becomes overwhelming? For this year’s World Day of the Poor, November 15, Pope Leo XIV chose a theme that offers both […]

Honoring seafarers on World Mission Sunday

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By Deacon Marlowe Sabater Special to the Herald Oct. 18 marked the centennial of World Mission Sunday, established by Pope Pius XI in 1926. This year, Pope Leo XIV chose the theme “One in Christ, United in Mission,” inviting the faithful to renew their commitment to sharing Christ’s love with the world. The Diocese of […]

Talk Story: The power of Christian compassion

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Office for Social Ministry “May your Church be an open house, a safe space where everyone has a place — a community that accompanies and never excludes, that listens without judging and draws near without fear.” (Pope Leo XIV, October 2026 prayer for mental health) As we pray for Pope Leo XIV’s recovery following his […]

Talk Story: Many parts, one ohana

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Office for Social Ministry “What does it mean to be human?” (Pope Leo XIV address to UNESCO, Paris, Sept. 25) Before and after a storm, a simple question can mean everything: Are you OK? We may call our parents or check on a neighbor. We wonder whether someone living alone has food, electricity or a […]

Talk Story: Weathering disasters together

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Office for Social Ministry “Your support today is a powerful reminder that our island communities do not face these challenges alone.” (Bishop Michael T.T. Castori, SJ, appeal letter for the Hawaii Storm Relief and Recovery Fund) Sometimes it takes stormy weather to remind us how much we need one another. When Hurricane Lowell brought destructive […]

Talk Story: Water, a gift without borders

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Office for Social Ministry “Lord of Life, you have given us the gift of water, source of fruitfulness, freshness and hope. It quenches thirst, nourishes the earth and heals wounds.” (Pope Leo XIV, September 2026 prayer intention video) Surrounded by the vast blue Pacific and the healing waters of Hawaii, we are constantly reminded of […]

Talk Story: Helping ‘even just one’ person in need

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Office for Social Ministry “For this 112th World Day, the theme, ‘Even just one of these children,’ draws our attention to the minors directly involved in the experience of migration and flight, to the care owed to them, and to the Lord’s promise that ‘whoever receives one such child in my name receives me’” (Mk […]

Talk Story: Building the kingdom through aloha

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Office for Social Ministry “In Hawaii… it is no mere coincidence that a people so interiorly disposed to receive the call of Christ the King — this same people should be animated by the luminous cultural values of aloha, which, at its heart, is selfless love.” (Bishop Michael Thomas Tupou Castori, SJ, remarks at the […]

Talk Story: Live the Gospel, share the Gospel

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Office for Social Ministry “God always loves us first. The beauty of the sea, this island and your faces is a reflection of his gratuitous initiative: Love precedes us, surrounds us and brings us together. The Gospel resounds where peoples meet, people welcome one another, their lives intertwine and different cultures engage in dialogue.” (Pope […]

Talk Story: A day of symbolism and hope

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Office for Social Ministry “Many migrants, refugees and displaced persons are witnesses of hope…they demonstrate this daily through their resilience and trust in God.” (Pope Leo XIV, message for the 2026 World Day of Migrants and Refugees) On July 4, Americans will celebrate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. Across the country, families will […]